Logistics employee at the CSE warehouse in Born? Not for now. From today on, Patrick Garritsen will only go by Prince Patrick II of CV De Klotsköp van het Kasteel. “This has been a dream for years,” says the association’s prince.
Tell us, Prince Patrick II: why is it such a great honor?
“We celebrate Carnaval in a big way in my hometown of Hoensbroek, which is traditionally called ‘Gebrook’ during these days. I grew up with it. From a young age, we would already take part in the parades with our carnaval float. It makes it extra special that I get to be prince this year. In November, we celebrate six times eleven years of existence. So we really have something to celebrate.”
What will the coming days look like?
“Carnaval started yesterday at 6:11 PM with Kowrenne. That’s the grand opening. Participants, dressed up as cows, run across the Market Square in Hoensbroek in front of a large audience. Just Google it: it’s definitely worth watching. Today we have school visits and the Flügel party on the agenda. Starting tomorrow, we’ll join the parades in Heerlen, Hoensbroek, Landgraaf, and Beek. And on Tuesday evening it’s ‘Steken afzetten.’ That’s when we officially close Carnaval together with three associations, and I go back to being just Patrick again.”
What does the perfect ‘Vastelaovend’, as Carnaval is called in Limburg, look like for you?
“These are days with plenty of beer, but above all, lots of fun with friends, acquaintances, and hopefully big crowds at the parades. I wish that for everyone celebrating Carnaval. Make it a great edition. And drink responsibly, but enough as well, haha!”
